Controller

Vaco by Highspring; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) retirement plan

Medical, dental & vision benefits

Job summary

Vaco by Highspring in Louisville, KY seeks an experienced Controller to lead accounting and financial reporting, oversee the general ledger, and manage month-end close while strengthening internal controls. The role partners with operations and FP&A to drive cost analysis, budgeting, and process improvements for scalable manufacturing performance.

Candidates should have a CPA or CMA, 5–8+ years of leadership in manufacturing finance, and proven ability to deliver GAAP-compliant statements and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA/CMA preferred.
• 5-8+ years progressive accounting experience with leadership.
• Manufacturing experience required; GAAP knowledge essential.
• Strong Excel and ERP proficiency; experience with cost accounting.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes; ensure timely, accurate results.
• Prepare and review GAAP-compliant financial statements; maintain GL integrity.
• Oversee cost accounting, inventory valuation, variance analysis; partner with operations.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

General ledger

Month‑end close

Cost accounting

ERP systems

Excel

Leadership

Manufacturing experience

Financial reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA or CMA preferred

Job description

A manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Controller to lead its accounting and financial reporting functions. This role is responsible for overseeing the general ledger, managing the month-end close process, ensuring accurate financial reporting, and maintaining strong internal controls.

The ideal candidate will bring a hands‑on leadership style, a strong understanding of manufacturing operations, and the ability to partner cross‑functionally to support business decisions and drive operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Close

• Oversee the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes to ensure timely and accurate financial results
• Prepare and review financial statements in accordance with GAAP
• Maintain integrity of the general ledger and supporting schedules
• Review and approve journal entries, account reconciliations, and trial balances
• Ensure accurate balance sheet and income statement reporting

Manufacturing & Cost Accounting Oversight

• Oversee cost accounting functions, including inventory valuation, standard costing, and variance analysis
• Partner with operations to analyze production costs, margins, and efficiencies
• Monitor and improve processes related to inventory controls and tracking
• Support budgeting and forecasting related to manufacturing operations

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Establish and maintain strong internal controls and accounting policies
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and company procedures
• Coordinate and lead external audits and support internal audit processes
• Oversee tax and regulatory reporting in coordination with external advisors

Leadership & Business Partnership

• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team
• Partner with leadership, operations, and FP&A to support strategic decision‑making
• Drive process improvements to enhance efficiency and scalability
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to support business growth

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance (CPA or CMA preferred)
• 5-8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership experience
• Prior experience in a manufacturing environment required
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting
• Experience with cost accounting, inventory, and standard costing
• Proven ability to manage month-end close and internal controls
• Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Excel
• Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills
• Ability to operate in a fast‑paced, hands‑on environment

Compensation & Benefits

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual's skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan.

Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products.

Equal Opportunity Notice

Highspring LLC (d/b/a Vaco by Highspring) and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by applicable law. The company is also committed to ensuring that persons who need them are provided with reasonable accommodations; if an accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact [e-mail] .

Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal.

For residents of Ontario, Canada only:

To the extent the position for employment is not with Highspring or not otherwise noted as vacant above, candidate should be informed that this role is to replace a presently employed person at Vaco by Highspring's client.

Privacy Notice

Vaco by Highspring respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies.

• California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here.
• Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here.
• Residents of all other states may access our policies here.
• Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here.
• Residents of countries governed by GDPR and UK GDPR may access our policies here.

Additionally, submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. More details about Vaco by Highspring's use of AI can be found here (https://www.highspring.com/ai-use-notices/). Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase will be conducted by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco by Highspring does not know and cannot opine on if its client's use of AI products in hiring.

Pay Transparency Notice

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to:

• the individual's skill sets, experience and training;
• licensure and certification requirements;
• office location and other geographic considerations; and
• other business and organizational needs.

With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses and/or participation in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's retirement plan (or similar retirement benefits).